End of the world, as you know it

Along with the usual assortment of tools, computer parts and multi-threaded knobby things, my partner Nacho Flaherty had a huge map of North America spread across his desk. Being a highly trained professional I sensed something was amiss. Actually it was more like something was flat-out missing. I looked around. Tools….parts….the map…what was it, what was missing?

“Hey Rick,” Nacho said, as he walked up behind me.
Steeped in concentration, I raised one finger to silence him. Being a highly trained professional, himself, Nacho understood I was trying to concentrate.

I raised my hands in surrender. “I’m done. It’s out of my system.” I motioned to the map. “Proceed.”

And he did.

Proceed to throttle me.

Five hours later the police cut us loose. I was grateful to be out of the Big House, but I still didn’t know why our office-mates even cared. I mean, so what if two guys beat the crap out of each other in front of normal people who do not resort to violence to resolve their problems? Did they really have to call the authorities?

Loose or no, Nacho and I were not on good terms, our partnership was in question. I held out hope when I overheard a policeman talking with Nacho about something ‘justifiable’. But what was it? Justifiable happiness, hominid, homicide?